The Durban International Convention Centre (abbreviated as Durban ICC), also known as the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, showcases South Africa’s development as a country by being a vibrant hub for global events. Named after Nobel Prize laureate Inkosi Albert Luthuli, the venue embodies the spirit of progress and inclusivity.
The Durban International Convention Centre was inaugurated by Nelson Mandela in 1997, ultimately marking a significant moment in the country’s post-apartheid transformation. Featuring a floor space that encompasses 22,000 square meters, the place can easily host large-scale trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences. The Durban ICC also offers 16 meeting rooms, a 2,000-seater plenary hall, and state-of-the-art audio-visual technology to meet the needs of every organizer out there. And to top it all off, the conference center also has an attached 4-star luxury hotel, providing seamless accommodation for guests and tourists.
If a visit to the Durban International Convention Centre is in your itinerary and you want the ideal public transportation routes from the nearest airport, which is the Durban Airport (DUR) (also known recently as King Shaka International Airport), then our comprehensive guide is just what you need to make your journey more comfortable.
What are the Available Public Transport Options
To reach the Durban International Convention Centre from the Durban Airport in South Africa, you will have multiple public transportation options that you can choose from. To know each route in detail, go through the steps mentioned below properly.
Traveling via Bus
- Begin your journey by first boarding a bus from Durban Airport. Bus services within that region are provided by Margate Coaches, and they are available at least four times every day.
- After boarding the bus, your next stop to get off would be Durban Station. The travel duration will be around 25 minutes, and you can expect to pay anywhere between $8 and $11 per person per ride.
- Once you get off at Durban Station, you need to walk the rest of your journey on foot to be able to reach the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. The expected time taken will be around 18 minutes.
Traveling via Taxi
- Start by first catching a cab from the exit terminal of Durban Airport. Services from multiple cab service providers are available within that area, such as Uber, Mozzie Cabs, and Eagle Taxi Cabs.
- Ensure that you let the taxi driver know that your destination is the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (or the Durban ICC). The total journey distance is around 32 kilometers, and the time taken will be around 26 minutes. Additionally, the cost that you have to pay will be around $9-12. However, remember that the travel cost will largely depend on whatever service provider you choose.
- Once you reach your destination, get off your taxi and walk to the venue by foot.
Traveling via Shuttle
- The primary step involves booking a shuttle service from the exit terminal of Durban Airport. Shuttle services are provided by ‘King Shaka International Airport Shuttle’.
- Ensure that you mark your destination as the Durban ICC. The travel distance is around 32 kilometers, and the time taken is around 26 minutes. Additionally, expect to pay around $29-45 for your ride.
- After reaching your destination, walk the rest of the path to the International Convention Centre.
Notable Attractions Around the Durban ICC
While you are exploring the Durban ICC, you can also take a quick peek at some of the other attractions we have listed.
Start with the uShaka Marine World, which is home to a variety of marine animals, including sharks, dolphins, and penguins. This massive theme park also features several water rides, restaurants, and shows on site, making it the perfect place to have a great time with your family and/or friends. Then you have the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which is well-known for hosting several high-octane football matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The stadium authorities offer guided tours as well as zip-line rides from the top of the marvelous architecture.
Durban is also known for its ‘Golden Mile’ beach, which is ideal for taking walks, jogs, or even bike rides. The place also features multiple restaurants, cafes, and shops to help you get anything you need in your quest for exploration. Talking about shopping, you can also visit the Victoria Street Market, well-known for its diverse array of shops and items. It is a great place to find souvenirs, crafts, and even local produce, while also giving you the opportunity to experience the local culture.
Once you are done shopping and exploring, you can complete your stay in South Africa by taking in the relaxing sight of the Durban Botanic Gardens. Home to numerous plants and flowers from around the world, the place also features several walking trails and even a tea room on-site, so that you can have a pleasant beverage while gazing at Mother Nature.
